UW-System institutions, including UWM, are not requiring applicants to submit ACT or SAT scores as part of the application process this year.  UWM will consider applicants for admission with or without one of these standardized test scores.  On the application, students will be able to indicate whether or not they intend to send an ACT or SAT score to be reviewed with their application.  Students who plan to send test scores can submit official scores directly from the testing service, self-report their test scores on the Common Application, or complete electronic the Self-Reported Test Scores form.

Performance on standardized tests is only one factor considered in the admission process. While the writing portion of the ACT is not required, we will consider these results if you wish to submit them. In addition to your composite score, we also consider your sub-scores in the area(s) (English, math, reading, science) that closely relate to your intended major at UWM. Submission of ACT/SAT results is never required of freshman applicants age 21 or older.

As always, our Admissions Advisors are available to answer questions!

The application form includes one applicant statement intended to help us learn more about you beyond your test results and high school record. The essay asks you to tell us about your academic and personal achievements including successes and challenges that will influence you in your college education. It is strongly recommended that you complete the essay in it’s entirety. While letters of recommendation are not required, if you choose to submit one or two for consideration, please be sure that the letter addresses your academic ability and potential for success at UWM.

Application Process and Dates

FALL APPLICANTS:  Applications are accepted beginning August 1 for the fall semester with a priority deadline of March 1st. After March 1st, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions will continue to review applications on a case-by-case basis until enrollment capacity has been reached.

New freshmen can apply online at uwm.edu/apply-undergrad.

Pay the Application Processing Fee

You may pay your fee online when you submit your application. Or, you may log back into your application to submit your fee online later. We also accept a check or money order.

Send Transcripts

Send Test Scores 

UW-System institutions, including UWM, are not requiring applicants to submit ACT or SAT scores as part of the application process this year.  UWM will consider applicants for admission with or without one of these standardized test scores.  On the application, students will be able to indicate whether or not they intend to send an ACT or SAT score to be reviewed with their application.  Students who plan to send test scores can submit official scores directly from the testing service, self-report their test scores on the Common Application, or complete electronic the Self-Reported Test Scores form.

Performance on standardized tests is only one factor considered in the admission process. While the writing portion of the ACT is not required, we will consider these results if you wish to submit them. In addition to your composite score, we also consider your sub-scores in the area(s) (English, math, reading, science) that closely relate to your intended major at UWM. Submission of ACT/SAT results is never required of freshman applicants age 21 or older.

Admission Decisions

Soon after we receive your application, we will send you information about how to check the status of your application online, via our PAWS (Panther Access to Web Services) student information system. Log onto PAWS to monitor your application “to do” items. Once all of the “to do” items disappear, your file is complete and is ready for an admission decision. During peak times, you may expect to wait 2-3 weeks for a decision.

Potential outcomes may include:

• Direct admission to the Milwaukee campus
• A request for additional information to be sent
• Denied with an offer of admission to either the Waukesha or Washington County campuses
• Denied

UW-System institutions, including UWM, are not requiring applicants to submit ACT or SAT scores as part of the application process this year.  UWM will consider applicants for admission with or without one of these standardized test scores.  On the application, students will be able to indicate whether or not they intend to send an ACT or SAT score to be reviewed with their application.  Students who plan to send test scores can submit official scores directly from the testing service, self-report their test scores on the Common Application, or complete electronic the Self-Reported Test Scores form.

Performance on standardized tests is only one factor considered in the admission process. While the writing portion of the ACT is not required, we will consider these results if you wish to submit them. In addition to your composite score, we also consider your sub-scores in the area(s) (English, math, reading, science) that closely relate to your intended major at UWM. Submission of ACT/SAT results is never required of freshman applicants age 21 or older. 

As always, our Admissions Advisors are available to answer questions!

Once an application file is complete, including application fee and all relevant documents, you may expect to receive a decision in approximately 3-4 weeks.

Yes. If you are changing your term of entry to UWM from one semester to another, complete the Term Change Request form

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions will review requests for reconsideration on a case-by-case basis.  Please follow the steps outlined in the Admission Reconsideration Policy if you wish to have your application reconsidered.

All newly admitted first-year students are automatically granted contract access to live in University Housing. Contract access is emailed to students approximately two weeks after they are admitted, starting in mid-October. Students will complete their contract online at www.uwm.edu/myhousing. The priority date for completing a University Housing Contract is May 1 (December 1 for Spring Admits), and assignments are made by random lottery, which takes into account certain preferences (Living Learning Community, Room Type, Roommate, etc.) made by the student at the time they complete their contract.

UW-Milwaukee does have a Residency Policy which states that all first-time students under the age of 21 are expected to live on-campus, where availability allows. There are a few valid reasons to be exempt from this policy. For more information on the process to request an exemption, visit:https://uwm.edu/housing/students/residency-requirement/.  

First, please visit fafsa.ed.gov for information on applying for financial aid. Then if you have more specific questions, contact the Financial Aid Department at 414-229-4541 or finaid@uwm.edu

Yes, all new incoming freshmen are required to take University of Wisconsin System placement tests so you will be placed in the appropriate level classes.

For students attending UWM at Waukesha and UWM at Washington County, you must take your placement tests at your intended campus  because the essay component is not offered elsewhere.

If students do not take placement tests, you will not be invited to the Student Advising and Registration program (New Student Orientation). This means you would not be able to register for classes.